Materials handling and storage racks



Nov. 15, 1960 R. H. PARK MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE RACKS Filed May1, 1958 INVENTOR.

QussELL HUNTER DARK A TTORNEY MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE RACKSRussell Hunter Park, Greeuville, S.C., assignor to Gower ManufacturingCompany, Greenville, S.C., a corporation of South Carolina Filed May 1,1958, Ser. No. 732,399

Claims. (Cl. 211-134) This invention relates to storage racks and moreparticularly to an improved storage rack which especially facilitatesthe handling and storage of relatively large cartons constructed ofcardboard and the like.

Many methods and devices have formerly been employed for the handlingand storage of bulky materials; however, all these methods and deviceshave failed to provide solutions to many storage and materials handlingproblems. In many instances, bulky packages are simply stacked one ontop of the other on the floor of the mill or warehouse in very largepiles and, in other instances, such bulky material is stacked uponplatens which are in turn stacked upon one another on the floor of thewarehouse. Other warehouses and mills are provided with racks havingrelatively heavy frame members to support sheet metal shelves whileothers require the placing of the articles to be stored upon platenswhich are stored on awkward structural members. These storage problemsare particularly pronounced in connection with the storage of textilegoods because of their bulk. Such goods are usually stored in largecartons constructed of cardboard upon sheet metal shelves having asmooth surface to avoid damage to the cartons. Such storage means havemany disadvantages, among them the inaccessibility of the packages toinspection and sprinkler water.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvedstorage rack which will facilitate the storage and handling of bulkypackages.

Another object of this invention is the provision of storage racks whichwill provide a smooth surface, but of open construction, for supportingbulky packages so that no platens will be necessary to support thepackages on the racks.

Another object of the invention is to provide a storage rack havinglongitudinal stringers and a plurality of transverse runners whichpresent a smooth, open shelf surface so that lift trucks may carry bulkypackages and deposit the packages on the smooth surfaces presented bythe stringers and runners.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a storage rackincluding a plurality of transverse runners constructed of relativelylight gauge metal which present a rounded surface for protection of thecartons to be placed thereon.

Another object of this invention is to provide a storage rack includinga plurality of runners which are constructed of relatively light gaugemetal which present smooth, rounded surfaces for contact by the cartonsand which are relatively deep so as to provide a large section modulusto make possible maximum utilization of steel employing a symmetricalsection for vertical loading and horizontal flanges to provide someresistance to lateral loads.

, 50 ,238 Patented Nov. 15, 1960 Another object of this invention is toprovide storage racks having an attractive, neat appearance and whichwill be of open construction to allow the passage of sprinkled water incase of fire in the mill as well as ready access to the packages storedthereon.

Some of the methods provided to carry out the invention will behereinafter described.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of thefollowing description and by reference to the accompanying drawingsforming a part thereof wherein some illustrative examples of theinvention are shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a rack constructed in accordancewith the present invention,

Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view looking from the right handfront portion of the end of a runner constructed in accordance with theteaching of the present invention, and

Figure 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of a runnerconstructed in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, Figure 1 shows a pluralityof vertical spaced channel frame members C for supporting a plurality ofhorizontal, elongated, spaced stringers S therebetween. A plurality ofhorizontal transverse runners R are held in spaced relation betweenopposed stringers and serve to support the relatively large cartons andpackages by presenting smooth rounded upper surfaces therefor as will bediscussed in greater detail below. In Figure 1, one complete bay B isshown together with a portion of a second bay B on the right hand sideconnected together by the plates 22 and a connected third bay B above.As many bays B as are desirable may be used in connection with thepractice of this invention. The runners R are constructed of relativelylight gauge sheet metal and have a pair of substantially verticalrelatively high sides 13 converging slightly toward the top, anoutwardly projecting flange 11 carried by the lower edge of each side,and a relatively flat top 14 having downwardly curving portions 15joining the sides so that a smooth rounded surface is presented tosupport the packages to be placed thereon. Since the runners aresymmetrical, they are designed for maximum use of steel since thevertical loads thereon will impose no torsional stress to the runners.

Preferably in the construction of the runners R, blanks of relativelythin sheet metal are cut by stamping operations in which notches 10 arecut in the ends of the blanks. The blanks having the centrally disposedrectangular notches It} on each of their ends are each placed in ahydraulic press brake and die formed in one pressing operation.

The runners R have a pair of horizontal flanges 11 which extendoutwardly in opposed relation to each other and are joined by curvedportions 12 of the sheet metal blanks which form the runners R toupwardly extending slightly converging sides 13 which are relativelydeep so as to increase the section modulus of the runner. The upperportion of the runners R have substantially flat top portions 14 whichare joined by gently curving portions 15 to the sides 13. It will benoted particularly by reference to Figure 3 that the runners R aresymmetrical about a vertical axis Y--Y and the neutral axis so that theshear center of the beam is coincident with the centroid of the beam sothat the beam will not be subjected to torsional stresses thus makingpossible the use of a section constructed preferably of relatively thinsheet metal.

'It will be noted that the stringers S are disposed with the webs 16thereof vertical so that the flanges 17 face inwardly. The upper flanges17 are accommodated by the cut-out portions 18 which are formed by thenotches so that the top of the flange 17 is substantially flush with thetop J14 of the runner R. The runners are preferably welded in positionby welding along the upper edges of the top portions 14 of the runners Rand along the edges of the flanges 11 as shown at 19 and 20 respectivelyin the drawing. This provides a smooth surface for the reception of thecartons and the like by the stringers and the runners.

The articles to be stored are normally delivered to the rack by lifttrucks and may be placed directly upon the runners without the use ofplatens which were heretofore necessary. The placing of the stringers sothat the flanges 17 face inwardly prevents these flanges from being bentby contact with the lift trucks and makes a smooth surface for thereception of the articles. A showing .of the cartons .or relativelylarge packages, which the racks .of the present invention are designedto accommodate, are omitted for purposes of clarity of illustration, butit is understood that these articles may be placed upon the stringersdirectly; and if the articles to be supported are too small to besupported by at least two stringers, a platen may be used.

Referring again to Figure 1, the vertical channel members C aresupported by suitable base plates 21 and are secured thereto by anysuitable means such as welding. Sway bracing is provided in the form ofrectangular plates .22 to which the ends of the stringers are welded asat 23. The plates 22 are suitably secured to the web ofthe verticalchannel members C by any suitable means suchas bolts 24. The use of theplates 22 makes it unnecessary to use the usual angle bracing which hasheretofore been used, thus conserving space and making possible thereception of more articles within a single bay of racks constructed inaccordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown.

These racks present an attractive appearance and reduce damage to thecartons placed thereon due to the smooth rounded surfaces presented forreception of the cartons. Damage to products placed directly upon therunners is also prevented in a like manner. Since the cross section ofthe runners of the racks are symmetrical, a saving in metal is providedin making the racks lighter and reducing the costs thereof. The handlingcosts of the articles to be stored is reduced because of the directaccessibility of each carton because of the open construction of theracks. This open construction also makes possible the passage ofsprinkler water which reduces insurance rates. wBy completely utilizingthe space provided for the racks, it is possible to take full advantageof such storage space thus reducing the storage facilities. By makingeach carton directly accessible, the time lag in filling orders isreduced thus improving customer service and simplifies inventorycontrol. The appearance and neatness of the entire storage operation hasthus been greatly improved and together with these and other advantagesresults in an improved materials handling and storage operation.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention isillustrative and explanatory thereof and changes and variations willoccur to those skilled in the art which may be made within the scope ofthe appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is: A

1. A materials handling and storage rack for the handling and storage ofrelatively large cartons constructed of cardboard and the likeincluding, a pair of spaced horizontal stringers having horizontallydisposed inwardly projecting flanges, a plurality of spaced runnersdisposed transversely of and fixed to said stringers so as to besupported by both of said inwardly projecting flanges, said runnersbeing constructed of a relatively light gauge sheet metal having, a pairof upwardly projecting relatively deep aligned sides converging slightlytoward .the top thereof, an outwardly projecting substantiallyhorizontal flange carried by the lower edge of each side, a relativelyflat top and downwardly curving portions joining said top with saidsides, and frame members supporting said stringers, whereby smoothrounded surfaces are presented to support the cartons.

2. A materials handling and storage rack for the handling and storage ofrelatively large cartons constructed of cardboard and the likeincluding, a pair of spaced horizontal stringers having horizontallydisposed inwardly projecting flanges, a plurality of spaced runnersdisposed transversely of and fixed to said stringers so as to besupported by both of said inwardly projecting flanges, said runnersbeing constructed of a relatively light gauge sheet metal die formedblank having a pair of upwardly projecting relatively deep aligned sidesconverging slightly toward the top thereof, an outwardly projectingsubstantially horizontal flange carried by the lower edge of each side,a relatively ,flat top and downwardly curving portions joining said topwith said sides, said runners having cutout portions at each end thereofto accommodate the upper flanges of the stringers to present asmooth-surface for the reception of thec-artons, and 'frame memberssupporting said stringers, whereby smooth rounded surfaces are presentedto support the cartons.

3. A materials handling and storage rack for the handling and storage ofrelatively large cartons constructed of cardboard and the likeincluding, a plurality of bays having, a pair of spaced horizontalstringers having horizontally disposed inwardly projecting flanges, aplurality of spaced runners disposed transversely of and fixed to saidstringers so as to be supported by both of said inwardly projectingflanges, said runners being constructed of a relatively light gaugesheet metal having, a pair of upwardly projecting relatively deepaligned sides converging slightly toward the .top .thereof, an outwardlyprojecting substantially horizontal flange carried by the lower edge ofeach side, a relatively flat top and downwardly curving portions joiningsaid top with said sides, said runners having cutout portions at eachend thereof to accommodate the upper flanges of the stringers to presenta smooth surface for the reception of the cartons, frame memberssupporting said stringers, and rectangular plates fixed to the ends ofthe stringers and fixed to said frame to serve as sway bracing and toconnect the bays, whereby smooth rounded surfaces are presented tosupport the cartons.

4. In a materials handling and storage rack for the handling and storageof relatively large cartons constructed of cardboard and the like havinga pair of spaced horizontal stringers and a frame supporting saidstringers, a plurality of spaced runners disposed transversely of andfixed to said stringers so as .to be supported by both of said inwardlyprojecting flanges, said runners being constructed of a relatively lightgauge sheet metal having, a pair of upwardly projecting relatively deepaligned sides converging slightly toward the top thereof, an outwardlyprojecting substantially horizontal flange carried by the lower edge ofeach side, a relatively flat top and downwardly curving portions joiningsaid top with said sides, and frame members supporting said stringers,whereby smooth rounded surfacesare presented to support the cartons.

5. In a materials handling and storage rack for the handling and storageof relatively large cartons constructed of cardboard and the like havinga pair of spaced horizontal stringers and a frame supporting saidstringers, a plurality of spaced runners disposed transversely of andfixed to said stringers so as to be supported by hoth of said inwardlyprojecting flanges, said runners being constructed of a relatively lightgauge sheet metal die formed blank having, a pair of upwardly projectingrelatively deep aligned sides converging slightly toward the topthereof, an outwardly projecting substantially horizontal flange carriedby the lower edge of each side, a relatively flat top and downwardlycurving portions joining said top with said sides, said runners havingcut out portions at each end thereof to accommodate the upper flanges ofthe stringers to present a smooth surface for the reception of thecartons, and frame members supporting said stringers, whereby smoothrounded surfaces are presented to support the cartons.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS YostApr. 9, Louden Mar. 22, Hoyt Sept. 26, Beardsley Dec. 26, Hickman Sept.18, Franks Aug. 28,

Franks Dec. 3,

